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Topic: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs (Read 768 times) previous topic - next topic
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Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs
Is it ok to stand on the hood to change a bulb in one of the front clearance lights, or does this need to be done from the roof? I weigh 165 lbs (plus clothing).

Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #1 –
I've done it, and I weigh twenty pounds more than you. I recommend going barefoot for better traction on that slick, sloping surface. If you have a large piece of Scoot-Gard, you might want to use that to protect the hood from scratches.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #2 –
I don't think I would stand on the hood. I have read here before to open the hood and stand on the radiator mount. If i was able I would lay down on the roof, seems safer to me.

ymmv
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #3 –
I lay down on the roof and can reach the clearance lights just fine.
Seems a lot safer and easier to do than using the hood.
And, try wiggling or just removing and replacing the same bulb.
Often that has been the fix for me.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #4 –
Even with a step ladder in front of the hood it did not feel safe to get onto the hood as there is nothing to hold on to. But it turned out not to be necessary - with just one bare foot on the hood and the other foot still on the ladder I could reach the light and open it.

And like Jota wrote, the bulb was ok (the new bulb did not light up either), something in the wire was not. Wiggling on the wire did the trick. I will see how long that lasts.

If I would have to replace a light itself I would do it from the roof.

Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Jerry  - 
I don't think I would stand on the hood. I have read here before to open the hood and stand on the radiator mount. If i was able I would lay down on the roof, seems safer to me.

ymmv
Good tip, Jerry. (open hood) I'm still using the one foot on ladder, one foot on hood on non-slip pad to reach the cabover for cleaning. It's time for me never to do that again.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #6 –
I just changed out all the clearance bulbs to leds and at the same time replaced the plastic lenses.  In the back I used a ladder, but for the front I climbed on the roof.  It is amazing how hot the regular bulbs get, the leds are barely warm. 
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #7 –
parussky, may I ask where you purchased the LED replacements?

I recently replaced the 194 bulb night lights inside my 2003 TK with these:

194 LED Bulb - 5 SMD LED Tower - Miniature Wedge Base | Super Bright LEDs

Before I replaced the interior bulbs I had intermittent operation. I don't have that problem with the LED replacements. My theory is that the base is slightly thicker and it's making better contact in the socket.

I have the same intermittent issue with several of the exterior marker lights so I'm thinking I might try replacing them as well in hopes that the LEDs will solve the intermittent issue like they did  with the interior night lights.

My only hesitation in getting more of the LEDs I used in the nightlights is that they are quite a bit brighter than than the original bulb and I'm not sure they would be the best match for the markers. Are you happy with the brightness of the LEDs you used?
Steve
2003TK
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #8 –
Quote from: parussky  - 
....... It is amazing how hot the regular bulbs get, the leds are barely warm.

A tad of topic but .... the reason is about 95 plus percent of the electricity is converted to heat in an incandescence bulb where as almost all electricity is converted to light in an led.  That is also why you need less amps for leds.

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #10 –
Klaus, you may find that none of your markers are burned out. At least everyone of the markers I  though were burned out in my '03 were actually fine but were not making good contact in the socket. That seems to  be a common issue from what I have seen.

parusky, thanks for  the link! I think I will give them a try. I'm crossing my fingers that the bases of these replacements will be slightly thicker and make better contact in the socket just as the night light replacements did.
Steve
2003TK
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #11 –
Make sure that the sockets are dry and free of corrosion, and ‘butter’ the base of the bulb with a little dielectric grease when setting them in.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #12 –
I'm planning on replacing mine in the Spring. These are pretty much the only bulbs left that I haven't upgraded to LEDs. I think my porch light is the only outstanding incandescent besides my headlights :D .
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #13 –

Kinda off-topic but I thought I would share my experience. When I noticed I had several cracked or damaged clearance light lenses on my 2007 TK I searched for replacements and found the lenses for my TK are Bargeman 4" x 2", #34-59-012 and #34-59-010, amber or red respectively. During my search I found that Bargeman also made replacement LED Lens Upgrade Modules for these lights. These Lens/LED assemblies are Bargeman #42-59-412 and #42-59-410, amber or red respectively. They are not inexpensive but I decided to replace all of my clearance light lenses with these. So far I am pleased with them.
Amber
Red

Charles

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Charles and Donna  - 
I searched for replacements and found the lenses for my TK are Bargeman 4" x 2", #34-59-012 and #34-59-010, amber or red respectively. During my search I found that Bargeman also made replacement LED Lens Upgrade Modules for these lights.

Nice,  they look like they could be hardwired, eliminating the trouble-prone plugs and sockets.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Charles and Donna  - 
Kinda off-topic but I thought I would share my experience. When I noticed I had several cracked or damaged clearance light lenses on my 2007 TK I searched for replacements and found the lenses for my TK are Bargeman 4" x 2", #34-59-012 and #34-59-010, amber or red respectively. During my search I found that Bargeman also made replacement LED Lens Upgrade Modules for these lights. These Lens/LED assemblies are Bargeman #42-59-412 and #42-59-410, amber or red respectively. They are not inexpensive but I decided to replace all of my clearance light lenses with these. So far I am pleased with them.
Amber
Red

Charles


Wow, yes indeed a very nice find. I assume these would work in my 2008 hopefully. Thanks for this info. Does it add any more brightness or “pop” to your rig?
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #16 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
Wow, yes indeed a very nice find. I assume these would work in my 2008 hopefully. Thanks for this info. Does it add any more brightness or “pop” to your rig?
They should work on your 2008, I got the information about the replacement lens here from a 2008 MB owner. In my search for stock of the plain lens at the lowest price I came across the Lens/LED upgrade. Each module has two LED's, they are bright but the light is not as diffused as the plain lens (Bargman says they are "more focused"). However, the module lens seems to be much more reflective than my old lens which I notice when pulling up and parking our cars at night.

Charles
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #17 –
(Started a new 'running lights' topic so as not to tag any more on to the 'Steep Inclines' thread.)

Steve's running light lens/cover removal instructions are accurate, but I suggest having replacement lenses on hand along with the replacement bulbs in case the lenses crumble or shatter when you remove them; here's one source of both the amber and red lenses in the size you need (I think!).

PM 100-15A Amber Lens Round Clearance/Side Marker Replacement Lens - FoxTail...

PM 100-15R Red Lens Round Clearance/Side Marker Replacement Lens - FoxTail...

Check the website for bulbs, too. Before replacing the bulbs, clean the receptacle thoroughly and 'butter' the bases of the replacement bulbs with a bit of dielectric grease before installing them.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
(Started a new 'running lights' topic so as not to tag any more on to the 'Steep Inclines' thread.)

Steve's running light lens/cover removal instructions are accurate, but I suggest having replacement lenses on hand along with the replacement bulbs in case the lenses crumble or shatter when you remove them; here's one source of both the amber and red lenses in the size you need (I think!).

PM 100-15A Amber Lens Round Clearance/Side Marker Replacement Lens - FoxTail...

PM 100-15R Red Lens Round Clearance/Side Marker Replacement Lens - FoxTail...

Check the website for bulbs, too. Before replacing the bulbs, clean the receptacle thoroughly and 'butter' the bases of the replacement bulbs with a bit of dielectric grease before installing them.
Oh thank you so much.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb
Reply #19 –
Is there a recommended LED bulb to replace the original with?
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs
Reply #20 –
Hi Steve (Jill);  I used these bulbs for my rig : 194 LED Bulb - 5 SMD LED Tower - Miniature Wedge Base | Super Bright LEDs    That was a 635nm. red bulb. and : 194 LED Bulb - 5 SMD LED Tower - Miniature Wedge Base | Super Bright LEDs   a 395 nm. an Amber bulb.   Dielectric grease on the bulb bases. I also used grease on the new lenses, so that they would snap in better to the bases (on the LD). I also needed to repair the design deficiencies of those bases. Specifically the lack of a good connection where that plastic 'staked' post holds the socket leads to the incoming power wires.  The colored LED lights with five di are bright and of the proper colors to match the new lenses.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs
Reply #21 –
Ron, I was surprised to see a color choice for marker lights! Did you get 'cool', 'natural', or 'warm' amber LEDs? Probably the 'brightest', right?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs
Reply #22 –
Hi Joan;  The choices of 6500K 4100K and 3000K  (Harsh blue, daylight white, warm white) are only choices among the whites. There is a little green check mark on the red, or amber choices. The amber lense cover would filter out all but the amber, so you gain efficiency to just buy amber #194 lights, same for the red lenses, only the red gets through. That's for marker lights. If you had interior living room , inside lights, with a translucent white cover you could take your pick of the whites. I don't think there are any inside lights in an LD with 194 bulbs.
Trudy has a desk lamp in our house with the 4000Kelvin LED's mixed with the 3000K LED's, so she can blend or pick just the warm ones for use before bed time (no blue's).  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs
Reply #23 –
RonB said to use white bulbs behind the amber and red lenses.  However, the techs at superbrightleds said to use amber and red lights specifically.  They said that it would make the lights brighter. That is why I ordered the amber and red colors and the appearance is very good and bright.   Just fyi.
Re: Replacing a front clearance (marker) light bulb - replacement bulbs
Reply #24 –
Quote from: parussky  - 
RonB said to use white bulbs behind the amber and red lenses.  However, the techs at superbrightleds said to use amber and red lights specifically.  They said that it would make the lights brighter. That is why I ordered the amber and red colors and the appearance is very good and bright.   Just fyi.
I was wondering what red behind red and amber behind amber would do.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath